Perhaps the top advantage of asphalt shingles over other roofing materials is that they still offer high performance for a lower cost. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing materials upfront, and they still last long enough to provide the most value over the long term. Those who need more weather, fire, or wind resistance can find those features in performance shingles, without incurring too much extra cost.
In the long run, metal roofing, slate roofing, shake roofing and other roofing options just don’t offer the same value as the cost of asphalt roofing.